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Gach-Janczak K, Biernat M, Kuczer M, Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk A, Kluczyk A. Analgesic Peptides: From Natural Diversity to Rational Design. Molecules 2024; 29:1544. [PMID: 38611824 PMCID: PMC11013236 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain affects one-third of the global population and is a significant public health issue. The use of opioid drugs, which are the strongest painkillers, is associated with several side effects, such as tolerance, addiction, overdose, and even death. An increasing demand for novel, safer analgesic agents is a driving force for exploring natural sources of bioactive peptides with antinociceptive activity. Since the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a crucial role in pain modulation, the discovery of new peptide ligands for GPCRs is a significant challenge for novel drug development. The aim of this review is to present peptides of human and animal origin with antinociceptive potential and to show the possibilities of their modification, as well as the design of novel structures. The study presents the current knowledge on structure-activity relationship in the design of peptide-based biomimetic compounds, the modification strategies directed at increasing the antinociceptive activity, and improvement of metabolic stability and pharmacodynamic profile. The procedures employed in prolonged drug delivery of emerging compounds are also discussed. The work summarizes the conditions leading to the development of potential morphine replacements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Gach-Janczak
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.G.-J.); (A.A.-B.)
| | - Monika Biernat
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Mariola Kuczer
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Anna Adamska-Bartłomiejczyk
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (K.G.-J.); (A.A.-B.)
| | - Alicja Kluczyk
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
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Pereira AFM, Cavalcante JS, Angstmam DG, Almeida C, Soares GS, Pucca MB, Ferreira Junior RS. Unveiling the Pain Relief Potential: Harnessing Analgesic Peptides from Animal Venoms. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2766. [PMID: 38140106 PMCID: PMC10748172 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of pain encompasses a complex interplay of sensory and emotional experiences associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Accurately describing and localizing pain, whether acute or chronic, mild or severe, poses a challenge due to its diverse manifestations. Understanding the underlying origins and mechanisms of these pain variations is crucial for effective management and pharmacological interventions. Derived from a wide spectrum of species, including snakes, arthropods, mollusks, and vertebrates, animal venoms have emerged as abundant repositories of potential biomolecules exhibiting analgesic properties across a broad spectrum of pain models. This review focuses on highlighting the most promising venom-derived toxins investigated as potential prototypes for analgesic drugs. The discussion further encompasses research prospects, challenges in advancing analgesics, and the practical application of venom-derived toxins. As the field continues its evolution, tapping into the latent potential of these natural bioactive compounds holds the key to pioneering approaches in pain management and treatment. Therefore, animal toxins present countless possibilities for treating pain caused by different diseases. The development of new analgesic drugs from toxins is one of the directions that therapy must follow, and it seems to be moving forward by recommending the composition of multimodal therapy to combat pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Flávia Marques Pereira
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil;
| | - Joeliton S. Cavalcante
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil; (J.S.C.); (D.G.A.)
| | - Davi Gomes Angstmam
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil; (J.S.C.); (D.G.A.)
| | - Cayo Almeida
- Center of Mathematics, Computing Sciences and Cognition, Federal University of ABC, Santo André 09280-560, SP, Brazil;
| | - Gean S. Soares
- Delphina Rinaldi Abdel Azil Hospital and Emergency Room (HPSDRAA), Manaus 69093-415, AM, Brazil;
| | - Manuela B. Pucca
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University, Araraquara 14801-320, SP, Brazil;
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira Junior
- Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil;
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil; (J.S.C.); (D.G.A.)
- Center for Translational Science and Development of Biopharmaceuticals FAPESP/CEVAP, São Paulo State University (UNESP—Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu 01419-901, SP, Brazil
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Mariano XM, de Assis Ferreira LC, Almeida-Leite CM, de Castro Junior CJ, de Lima ME. PnPP-15, a Synthetic Peptide Derived from a Toxin from Phoneutria nigriventer Spider Venom, Alleviates Diabetic Neuropathic Pain and Acts Synergistically with Pregabalin in Mice. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:560. [PMID: 37755986 PMCID: PMC10537695 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic neuropathic pain is one of the complications that affect a wide variety of the diabetic population and is often difficult to treat. Only a small number of patients experience pain relief, which usually comes with onerous side effects and low levels of satisfaction. The search for new analgesic drugs is necessary, given the limitations that current drugs present. Combining drugs to treat neuropathic pain has been attracting interest to improve their efficacy compared to single-drug monotherapies while also reducing dose sizes to minimize side effects. The aim of our study was to verify the antinociceptive effect of a synthetic peptide, PnPP-15, alone and combined with pregabalin, in male Swiss diabetic mice using the von Frey method. PnPP-15 is a synthetic peptide derived from PnPP19, a peptide representing a discontinuous epitope of the primary structure of the toxin PnTx2-6 from the venom of the spider Phoneutria nigriventer. The antinociceptive activity of both compounds was dose-dependent and showed synergism, which was verified by isobolographic analysis. Treatment with PnPP-15 did not cause spontaneous or forced motor changes and did not cause any damage or signs of toxicity in the analyzed organs (pancreas, lung, heart, kidney, brain, or liver). In conclusion, PnPP-15 is a great candidate for an analgesic drug against neuropathic pain caused by diabetes and exerts a synergistic effect when combined with pregabalin, allowing for even more efficient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Maia Mariano
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina e Biomedicina da Faculdade Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte 30150-240, MG, Brazil; (X.M.M.); (L.C.d.A.F.); (C.J.d.C.J.)
| | - Luana Caroline de Assis Ferreira
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina e Biomedicina da Faculdade Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte 30150-240, MG, Brazil; (X.M.M.); (L.C.d.A.F.); (C.J.d.C.J.)
| | - Camila Megale Almeida-Leite
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil;
| | - Célio José de Castro Junior
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina e Biomedicina da Faculdade Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte 30150-240, MG, Brazil; (X.M.M.); (L.C.d.A.F.); (C.J.d.C.J.)
| | - Maria Elena de Lima
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Medicina e Biomedicina da Faculdade Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte 30150-240, MG, Brazil; (X.M.M.); (L.C.d.A.F.); (C.J.d.C.J.)
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Abstract
This paper is the forty-third consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2020 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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da Silva CN, Nunes KP, Dourado LFN, Vieira TO, Mariano XM, Cunha Junior ADS, de Lima ME. From the PnTx2-6 Toxin to the PnPP-19 Engineered Peptide: Therapeutic Potential in Erectile Dysfunction, Nociception, and Glaucoma. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:831823. [PMID: 35480885 PMCID: PMC9035689 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.831823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The venom of the “armed” spider Phoneutria nigriventer comprises several potent toxins. One of the most toxic components from this venom is the neurotoxin PnTx2-6 (LD50 = ∼ 0.7 μg/mouse, 48 residues, five disulfide bridges, MW = 5,289.31 Da), which slows down the inactivation of various Na+ channels. In mice and rats, this toxin causes priapism, an involuntary and painful erection, similar to what is observed in humans bitten by P. nigriventer. While not completely elucidated, it is clear that PnTx2-6 potentiates erectile function via NO/cGMP signaling, but it has many off-target effects. Seeking to obtain a simpler and less toxic molecule able to retain the pharmacological properties of this toxin, we designed and synthesized the peptide PnPP-19 (19 residues, MW = 2,485.6 Da), representing a discontinuous epitope of PnTx2-6. This synthetic peptide also potentiates erectile function via NO/cGMP, but it does not target Na+ channels, and therefore, it displays nontoxic properties in animals even at high doses. PnPP-19 effectively potentiates erectile function not only after subcutaneous or intravenous administration but also following topical application. Surprisingly, PnPP-19 showed central and peripheral antinociceptive activity involving the opioid and cannabinoid systems, suggesting applicability in nociception. Furthermore, considering that PnPP-19 increases NO availability in the corpus cavernosum, this peptide was also tested in a model of induced intraocular hypertension, characterized by low NO levels, and it showed promising results by decreasing the intraocular pressure which prevents retinal damage. Herein, we discuss how was engineered this smaller active non-toxic peptide with promising results in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, nociception, and glaucoma from the noxious PnTx2-6, as well as the pitfalls of this ongoing journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Nunes da Silva
- Departmentamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Maria Elena de Lima, ; Carolina Nunes da Silva, ; Kenia Pedrosa Nunes,
| | - Kenia Pedrosa Nunes
- Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Maria Elena de Lima, ; Carolina Nunes da Silva, ; Kenia Pedrosa Nunes,
| | | | - Thayllon Oliveira Vieira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Biomedicina Faculdade Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Xavier Maia Mariano
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Biomedicina Faculdade Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Elena de Lima
- Departmentamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Biomedicina Faculdade Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Maria Elena de Lima, ; Carolina Nunes da Silva, ; Kenia Pedrosa Nunes,
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